GG231 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: San Andreas Fault, Queen Charlotte Fault, Alpine Fault
Document Summary
A fracture along which adjacent rocks have moved relative to one another: seismic waves. A wave produced by sudden displacement of rocks along a fault. Seismic waves move through or along the surface of earth: seismologists. A scientist who studies earthquakes: seismograph. Description and processes: the main processes that initiate earthquakes and cause the damage are related to sites where there is rupture and movement of rocks, often along a fault. This is also related to larger patterns of earth"s plates. Once initiated the force of the earthquake is carried through and on the earth"s surface by seismic waves. The earthquake hazard is a function of a number of factors. Indonesia in 2004 originated from an earthquake that started along a fault. Large masses of rock or lithospheric plates move against, away or along contact zones. Friction restricts the movement along the fault line leading to a build-up of pressure that is eventually released causing the earthquake.
